describe the process for making multi-platform projects
Generated on 1/20/2025
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To create multi-platform projects, especially for games, Apple provides a streamlined process using Xcode. Here's a general overview of the process as described in the session "Port advanced games to Apple platforms":
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Project Configuration: Start by properly configuring your Xcode project to target multiple Apple devices, such as macOS and iOS. This involves setting up your project settings under supported destinations to ensure that both macOS and iOS can access the full capabilities of their respective SDKs.
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Target Conditionals: Use target conditionals in Xcode to differentiate elements like libraries, frameworks, and parts of code depending on the target platform. This allows you to compile parts of your files for one OS or the other, and even have whole files tailored for specific targets.
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Unified Codebase: Maintain a common codebase that shares most project settings across all destinations. This is particularly useful for games, which typically use a shared codebase.
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Platform-Specific Files: While sharing a codebase, you can also have platform-specific files, such as app lifecycle files, which may be separate for macOS and iOS.
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Use of Apple Frameworks: Leverage the maturity of Apple frameworks that target both macOS and iOS, making the development experience straightforward.
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Metal Shaders: Utilize unified Metal shaders to compile your graphics code once and deploy it across platforms.
For more detailed guidance, you can refer to the session Port advanced games to Apple platforms (06:22) which covers configuration and other essential steps in the porting process.
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